Here and Now
26/4/12
Jay Malla
It is great to hear the second track from Jay Malla, and Here and Now really shows off a different side of his artistry. I am a big fan of the R&B vibe he has leaned into for this one. The chord progressions are sophisticated and the bass lines are incredibly smooth, giving the whole track a great foundation to sit on.
As with the previous song I heard from him, the guitar work is absolutely stellar. That organic touch is becoming a real signature for him, and the guitar solo in this track is another highlight that brings a lot of soul to the production. The overall vibe is very cohesive, and those background vocals in the final section do a fantastic job of lifting the energy right at the end.
For some constructive feedback, I feel like the lead vocals could be a bit more forward in the mix. They are a little tucked away right now, and giving them a touch more presence would help the lyrics connect even more with the listener.
I would also love to hear the vocals with a bit more processing or effects. This might just be a personal preference, but adding some stereo widening or perhaps a bit of lush modulation could make the vocal performance sound much wider and more immersive. It would complement the smooth R&B atmosphere of the instrumental perfectly.
Overall, this is a strong follow up that shows a lot of growth. Jay continues to prove he has a great ear for blending organic musicianship with modern grooves. I am definitely looking forward to hearing what he does next!